Harvesting and Storing Pecans: Our Tips

The pecan tree (Carya illinoinensis) is a fruit tree cultivated for its nut: the pecans. These oilseeds are appreciated for their rich flavour. Pecans can be consumed fresh, roasted, dried, or salted. They can also be used in cooking, for baking, in brownies, and in the famous “pecan pie.” Here are our valuable tips for harvesting and storing these subtly flavoured nuts!

When to Harvest Pecans? How to Know if They Are Ripe?

The harvesting period for pecans varies depending on the climatic region and weather conditions. Generally, it occurs between mid-August and mid-November, more commonly around November, depending on the variety's earliness and your region. To determine if your nuts are ripe, observe the colour of the husk, the outer shell of the nut. When it changes from green to brown, it is a sign that the nut is ready for harvest. Additionally, a ripe nut will easily detach from the tree when you gently shake the branches.

How to Harvest Pecans?

Pecan harvesting can be done in several ways. You can pick them by hand, wait for them to fall at the base of the tree, or use a pole to gently shake the branches. It is also possible to place a tarp, sheet, or harvesting net under the tree to collect the nuts more easily. Once the nuts have fallen, gather them quickly to prevent them from getting damp and rotting.

How to Store Freshly Harvested Pecans?

After harvesting, the storage method differs depending on whether the nuts are kept whole in their shell or shelled. Once removed, the husk reveals the nut. As with our regular nuts, it is this shell that contains the edible almond.

- For whole nuts in their shell, the best way to store them is to place them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment for a week to allow any residual moisture to evaporate. After this period, they can be stored on shelves in a single layer or in breathable fabric bags. It is recommended to keep them in a cool, dry place like a cellar or pantry.

– For shelled pecans, storage is a bit more delicate due to their higher oil content. Freshly shelled pecans can go rancid quickly when exposed to air. Already shelled pecans should be stored in a bag or airtight container away from light and heat and should be consumed within 2 weeks. To store the kernels under the best conditions, use airtight freezer bags or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. You can also keep them in airtight jars at room temperature or for 6 months in the refrigerator. If you wish to store them even longer, freezing is a viable option. They will last for 1 year, knowing that the cold may diminish their flavour.